You know, it’s not just about the pasta…

Well, it’s not exactly the pasta, it’s the people who make the pasta who are for “traditional” families.

When I first read about this I thought: “Who cares?” I mean there are so many other things going wrong in the world right now that are way more important than pasta.

However, it’s not just about Barilla Pasta. It’s about the fact that the Chairman of the Board — one Guido Barilla — made statements like these:

“I would never do an advert with a homosexual family…if the gays don’t like it they can go an eat another brand.”

“For us the concept of the sacred family remains one of the fundamental values of the company.”

“I have no respect for adoption by gay families because this concerns a person who is not able to choose”

Well, when he says these sorts of things, then I have to admit that yes, I do care about the damn pasta.

The Company has every right to say how they feel, and when the Chairman of the Board says he will never advertise with a “homosexual family” and if we (the homosexuals) don’t like it we should eat another brand of pasta – well okay then – that’s exactly what I’ll do. And I will ask my friends to, and have them ask their friends to, and have their friends ask their friends — until everyone I know will never pick up another box of pasta or jar of sauce that says “Barilla” on it.

You all know it’s not about the pasta. It’s about discrimination and intolerance and ignorance. It’s about a mindset that continues on for generations and generations – passed down through a family like Green Bay Packers or Boston Red Sox tickets.

When the Chairman knew his words had created a firestorm, he said this: “I’m sorry if my comments on La Zanzara have created misunderstanding or polemic, or if I’ve offended anyone. In the interview I only wanted to underline the central role of the woman in the family.”

Well, as a woman who is also a lesbian, I feel so much better now.

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We must continue to fight this intolerance and ignorance whenever it comes our way. If we don’t stand up for who we are they who will? If we don’t make people accountable for what they say and what they do, then who will?

Does Guido have the right to feel as he does? Yes, he most surely does. But he also needs to be held responsible and accountable for his words and his actions.

And the best way to do that is to never buy his Barilla products again. Buy something made in the United States or better yet, learn to make your own spaghetti.

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